Volunteer Community Connectors

Solent Mind is working in partnership with the Centre for Citizenship and Community at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to carry out an applied research and community development project, Community Connectors, with local residents in the Hythe, Fareham and Gosport localities. The Community Connectors project is funded by Hampshire County Council under the Supportive Communities programme, which is designed to test out innovative ways of strengthening communities and individual wellbeing, and reducing reliance on statutory health and social care services. This is an 18-months project that commenced on 1 November 2016.

You will be part of a team of Community Connectors (CCs) recruited from the local community. CCs will need to work on their own and as a team, and will be supported by to the local project coordinator (Solent Mind).

You do not need to have previous experience of volunteering, doing interviews or research, or running community activities, or to possess any particular qualifiactions. However, you need to be:

Reasonably literate – CCs will need to be able to read questionnaires, fill in answers, and understand training materials.

Willing to learn.

Able to speak clearly to people.

Willing and able to approach members of the public and ask them questions.

Willing to work as part of a team and to help fellow CCs out with tasks.

Willing to take instructions from the project coordinator.

Able to work in a way that is impartial and that allows people to say what they want to say without putting ideas in their head.

Able to listen.

Keen to have a go.

Able to ask for help when they need it.

Willing to contribute ideas.

Someone who cares about local people and their local community.

Support will be given to you by the project coordinator (Solent Mind) to help you fulfil all of the aspects of the CC role and ensure you have a valuable, enjoyable experience.